DUSTOFF Medic Podcast

Matthew Sovine joins the pod for a quick conversation about research he's conducting into sustainment training for active duty flight medics. Have a listen and make sure to fill out the survey in your work email.

In this episode, Trooper Mike Allen joins us to discuss the Arizona State Police's Aviation Unit.

Trooper Allen is a flight paramedic who came to AZDPS from the fire service. Mike discusses the history of the program, the criteria for flight medic selection, the types of missions they respond to, the types of continuing education they run, and some pearls of wisdom for medics looking to use their skills in the civilian sector. 

Canadian Army Master Corporal Justin Weiler joins Max and Trevor to talk about his new country's rotary-wing medical program. Canada is one of our closest allies, but they have taken a different approach to clearing the battlefield. Listen up for interesting differences in how they equip and crew their aircraft.
You can learn more about CMERTs capabilities at aerospace medicine.ca, and you can reach the CMERT team at fwdaeops&[email protected].
Have a listen and let us know what you think!

Seain, Keegan, and Joe were the last three DUSTOFF medics in Afghanistan during the 2021 U.S. withdrawal. In this episode, they describe their experience during the attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport's Abbey Gate.

Seain, Keegan, and Joe were the last three DUSTOFF medics in Afghanistan during the 2021 U.S. withdrawal. In this episode, they describe their experiences in the days and weeks leading up to the attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport's Abbey Gate.

ProPublica is a non-profit news site that published a comprehensive account of the Abbey Gate attack earlier this year; you can read it here. The U.S. Central Command conducted an investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding the attack; that report is available on the U.S. Naval Institute's website.

Max sits down with US Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Policastro, MD for a capabilities briefing on the Air Force's Critical Care Air Transport Team program. CCATT is a team of highly skilled clinicians who provide enroute treatment to our sickest patients, and Dr. Policastro goes in depth into not only CCATTs medical skills, but also their selection process, training, and team dynamics.

Have a listen, share the podcast with colleagues who might enjoy it, and let us know what you think!

COL (ret.) Jonathan Newmark, MD finishes up a fascinating conversation with Max on nerve agents. Dr. Newmark is a true expert in this subject and his depth of knowledge makes this episode a must-hear. 

Have a listen, and let us know what you think!

COL (ret.) Jonathan Newmark, MD sits down with Max for an in-depth discussion of nerve agents. Dr. Newmark dedicated much of his career to researching the treatment of chemical and biological casualties, giving him an extraordinary depth of knowledge on this topic. Dr. Newmark retired from the military in 2013, but continues to serve as a professor of neurology at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. This is a rare opportunity to hear from one of the nation’s leading authorities on the medical response to chemical and biological warfare, and despite his extensive, high-level knowledge, Dr. Newmark tailors his comments very effectively to the role of the paramedic in these events. 

Have a listen, and let us know what you think!

Max sits down with David Shablak to discuss how to conduct high-quality training at the unit level. David is the co-host of the SimGeeks Podcast, a paramedic, and an expert in healthcare simulation. This is a great conversation for Medical NCOs and platoon-sized unit leaders who build and conduct training at their level.

During the conversation, David mentions a number of different resources for training, including the "This Old Man Manikin" series on his own YouTube channel, the Laerdal LLEAP software (we're not sponsored by them or anyone else), and the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning. David also discusses credentialing in the simulation profession and opportunities for more learning through the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. 

Have a listen, share this episode, and let us know what you think!

Sgt. 1st Class Christopher A. Celiz was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroic acts during an engagement with the enemy in Paktia Province, Afghanistan, on July 12, 2018. SFC Celiz saved the life of a wounded soldier from a partner force, and later used his body as a shield to cover the DUSTOFF aircraft that arrived to retrieve the wounded. SFC Celiz was mortally wounded during the engagement.
In this episode, we finish our conversation with the lead flight medic and pilot in command of the aircraft present that day. 
SFC Celiz is an American hero, and his actions saved many lives. The DUSTOFF crew from had a unique perspective, and by hearing from them we can both gain first-hand insight into SFC Celiz's bravery, and honor his memory.